Two Tongans from the USP (Tonga) campus will attend the World Peace Summit in South Korea from 17-19 September 2014.

Betty Manuofetoa (staff) and 'Ofa Taukolo, a second year BA student, who will represent Tonga at the event, took part in a Peace Walk in central Nuku'alofa on Saturday September 6 as a lead-up to World Peace Day, which will be commemorated on September 21.

Betty, who was invited by the International Youth Group to attend the summit said that the peace project was about "making peace with ourselves, then we can try to make peace with the world".

About 1,000 people, including 32 youth groups, joined in the Peace Walk from Maamaloa field, down Laifone Road, and around the CBD.

The Director of USP Tonga, Dr.'Ana Koloto, said that the Peace Walk was to mobilize the youth of Tonga and to take on the leadership and work toward peace in Tonga. “We are sowing the seeds of peace, because the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”

The Guest of Honour, Hon. Salote Maumautaimi Tuku‘aho, said it was the first time in Tonga that a peace walk had been initiated by youth.

The program included prayers, singing, dancing and a banner competition. The first prize for the best banner went to Ocean of Light school, with FWC Ha'ateiho Youth group, second; and the Free Church of Tonga youth group, third.

Dr 'Ana Koloto says that it was well supported and the attendance was more than they expected. Various companies contributed to organising the event were Molisi Tonga, Digicel Group, Real Tonga Airline and the USP Tonga campus and students association.